French Open 2010: Francesca Schiavone beats Sam Stosur to win women's final - Telegraph French Open French Open 2010: Francesca Schiavone beats Sam Stosur to win women's final So it is true: sometimes dreams do come true. For Francesca Schiavone, the moment she had dreamt of for a lifetime and that almost no one gave her a hope of achieving, materialised on Saturday as she won the French Open. Champion: Francesca Schiavone won women's final in straight sets Photo: AFP By Alix Ramsay in Paris 4:13PM BST 05 Jun 2010 She was the first Italian woman ever to reach a major final and the first Italian to lift a grand slam trophy since Adriano Panatta won in Paris in 1976. But for Schiavone, none of that really mattered. This was the moment she had spent a lifetime working for; this was what she had hoped for throughout her 15 seasons on the tour. “I think I was born to play tennis, so this [is] a dream, and this is reality now,” she said.

For a match that many casual observers had dismissed as dull and insignificant – where were the big names to thrill the crowds? – the French Open produced the best women’s final in years and in Schiavone, the newly crowned champion, it found a new star for the notoriously sniffy Parisians to take to their hearts. The veteran Italian – at 29 years, 11 months and 14 days old, she is the second oldest first-time grand slam winner in the Open era — beat Samantha Stosur 6-4, 7-6 on Saturday in 98 minutes of brilliance, exuberance and honest-to-goodness bottle. Schiavone played the match of her life. She had the time of her life. And from late into the second set, she knew that she was going to win. Related Articles When Federer last fell short 02 Jun 2010 Trying to control herself, to rein in her emotions and excitement, was proving rather harder to manage than the failing challenge of Stosur, but, no matter, Schiavone did it. Yesterday, it seemed as though she could do anything. Even when it came to making her acceptance speech, the Italian was unstoppable.

Her English is not perfect despite the fact that she used to live in London, but it had improved markedly in the 48 hours since she completed her semi-final match. “I didn’t prepare nothing,” she said a little nervously at first. “Always if I prepare something for the future, it never happens. But today I felt amazing. I felt like a champion and I’m really, really happy. Thanks to everybody.” That brought the house down, as did her singing along merrily to the Italian national anthem. When she grabbed the microphone again and went up to Mary Pierce, the champion of 2000 who had just presented her with the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen and a cheque for £927,000, she was obviously enjoying every moment. “I’m sorry,” she said as the 15,000-strong crowd cheered. “I am honoured to be here with you and that you give me the trophy.” By now, the Parisians were happy to adopt Schiavone as one of their own. They would have been lucky — the huge group of Italians who had somehow found tickets at the last moment and who had cheered until they were hoarse, would not let their heroine go.

When she ran, caked in clay, to celebrate with her team, she disappeared into a scrum of people, each one desperate to hug and kiss her. As for Schiavone, when she finally got her hands on the trophy, she did not kiss it so much as snog it. For almost every rally of the two sets it took to win, Schiavone had played like a seasoned champion. Stosur was the favourite, the woman who had beaten three world No1s – past and present – in the previous three rounds, and Stosur was the one with the power game that no one seemed able to handle. Yet the diminutive Italian outwitted and outhit the giant-killer as she tore Stosur’s defences to shreds with her backhand and her speed. At only a little over 5ft 5ins, somehow Schiavone found a way to reach the high bouncing, killer kick serves that Stosur had used to such great effect against Justine Henin, Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic, and sent them back with added spice.

When it came to Stosur’s forehand, the one that had pummelled the good and the great in previous rounds, Schiavone unpicked it with slice and spin. She was too clever for Stosur and Stosur was too flummoxed to work out what was happening. When she won, Schiavone fell flat on her back and smiled. Then she kissed the court and began to enjoy the moment – her dream had come true and she had no intention of waking up for the foreseeable future. Putting Italy on the tennis map Francesca Schiavone, 29, is the first Italian woman and the second-oldest woman to win a Grand Slam title. This was only the fourth title of her professional career. She is ranked No17 in the world, making her the first woman from outside the top 10 and the second-lowest ranked woman in the Open era to win the French Open.

Schiavone Wins French Open Title - The New York Times The New York Times Tennis |Schiavone Beats Stosur for Open Title Search Continue reading the main story Photo Francesca Schiavone lay on the court after defeating Samantha Stosur during their women’s final match at the French Open on Saturday. Credit Michel Spingler/Associated Press PARIS — The point before she won the most improbable of French Open championships, Francesca Schiavone of Italy volleyed a perfect backhand into the empty space across the net. Schiavone, the 17th seed, galloped across her end of the court, caught in the moment before the moment. She took a breath and wiped the excitement off her face with a towel from the ball boy. The stoic and strong Australian across the court, Samantha Stosur, had overpowered three former world No. 1s on the way to the final. But she had no response for the spry, extroverted Schiavone. Stosur shanked the match’s final shot off the frame of her racket. The ball flew toward the sky. Schiavone dropped to the ground.

She landed on her back, rolled over and kissed the red court. Schiavone became the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title, outsmarting and outhustling No. 7 Stosur on a hot and dry afternoon at Court Philippe Chatrier, 6-4, 7-6 (2). Advertisement Continue reading the main story Schiavone, her nose smudged with the red crushed-brick powder that tops the courts at Roland Garros, clambered into the stands. She immersed herself into a section of Italian family and friends, some of whom drove to Paris overnight, wearing black T-shirts that read “Nothing is Impossible.” “This means that everybody has a chance,” Schiavone said as the Suzanne-Lenglen Cup sat next to her. “To be who you really want to be, and to do everything in your life. This is what’s happened to me.” Schiavone, who turns 30 on June 23, became the oldest first-time female Grand Slam champion in the Open era. She will make her debut in the top 10 when the rankings are released Monday.

“I have to say congratulations to Sam, because she is a great, great person and a great athlete,” Schiavone told the crowd during the award ceremony, and Stosur, 26, smiled through the tears of a missed opportunity. “You deserve to be here next time. You’re young. You can do it.” Photo Stosur, the seventh seed, took the 17th-seeded Schiavone to a second-set tie breaker, which she lost, 7-2. Credit Bertrand Guay/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images Stosur had beaten Schiavone four of the previous five times they played, including in the first round of the 2009 French Open. Back then, Stosur was seeded 30th and Schiavone was not seeded at all. Each arrived at Roland Garros with two career victories and late-blooming games, but they barnstormed the bracket in much different ways. Stosur used her powerful right arm, unleashing serves and precise, spinning forehands to overwhelm the four-time French Open champion Justine Henin, the current No. 1 Serena Williams, and No. 4 Jelena Jankovic.

But the booming shots that Stosur sent skittering past previous opponents often were flipped back across the net by the quick-moving Schiavone. Unlike Stosur’s previous opponents, Schiavone wanted no part of a baseline war. She seized every chance to rush to the net, winning 14 of 15 points when she got there. Advertisement Continue reading the main story “It was so clear for me what to do,” Schiavone said. “When I tried to play short, the ball after was long. When she was running to the backhand, the second ball was shot to the other side.” Schiavone took control of the match-winning tie breaker when, at 2-2, she returned Stosur’s serve with a wickedly spun backhand drop shot. Stosur got to it and flipped it back, but Schiavone charged and punched it back for an easy point. She kept Stosur buried in a back corner again on the next point, then rushed the net and knocked the ball into the opposite, empty corner. The crowd cheered mostly for the underdog — a sentiment interrupted occasionally by the familiar “Aussie! Aussie!

Aussie!” chant from the smattering of Stosur fans — and sensed that one of the tournament’s biggest upsets was at hand. Schiavone’s career rode a long plateau before taking slow rise over the past year. She made the French Open quarterfinals in 2001 but left most Grand Slam events in the first week. She said she always dreamed of winning the French Open more than anything else. “Maybe it was far away in the reality,” she said, moving her hand to her heart, “but, here, never far away.” Photo Francesca Schiavone being embraced at the French Open after becoming the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title. Credit Guillaume Horcajuelo/European Pressphoto Agency Stosur, by contrast, seems like a player with staying power. It was about three years ago, after Stosur had spent 61 consecutive weeks ranked No. 1 in doubles and was in the 20s in singles, that she contracted Lyme disease. Her energy sapped, she missed about 10 months in 2007 and 2008.

At the time, she had won 22 doubles titles, including the United States Open in 2005 and the French Open in 2006, and mixed doubles titles at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. But she had no singles titles. “I got this label of a doubles specialist and a doubles player because I had good success,” Stosur said the day before the final. “But that whole time, my goal was to do those kinds of things in singles.” Advertisement Continue reading the main story With a heightened sense of her career mortality, Stosur focused on singles. Her breakthrough came last year at the French Open, when she wound her way to the semifinals. Stosur had found an unexpected niche on clay. She was 39-37 on the surface before her illness, but 28-8 after it before Saturday’s match. She was a tour-best 20-2 on clay this spring, showing a rare ability to power past opponents on what is considered a slower surface that requires more nuance. After beating Jankovic in 60 minutes in the semifinals, Stosur’s parents and two brothers flew in from Australia to watch the final in person.

Stosur acknowledged that she was the favorite, given the names she had beaten and the opponent remaining. Schiavone, however, proved a steady foil to Stosur’s serious, ball-bashing ways. “It’s just been a big journey and a great two weeks,” Stosur said. “I guess you wanted the full fairy tale, but it didn’t quite happen.” No, the happily-ever-after ending belonged to Schiavone. After beating No. 3 Caroline Wozniacki in the quarterfinals and No. 5 Elena Dementieva in the semifinals, Schiavone kissed the crushed-brick court. Asked on the day before the final what she would do if she won the final, she smiled and scooped her hands together. “I take all the clay like this, and I bring home,” she said. In the end, she did not need her hands to take home the clay. She wore much of it on her back, and a little smudge on her nose, just above her smile.

Correction: June 13, 2010 An article last Sunday about Francesca Schiavone’s victory on Saturday, June 5, for the French Open women’s title referred incorrectly to the achievement. With the win, Schiavone, who will turn 30 on June 23, became the oldest first-time Grand Slam women’s singles champion in the Open era of tennis — not the oldest since 1969. (Three men, including Andrés Gimeno, who was 34 at the 1972 French Open, were older when they won their first.). And in relating Schiavone’s victory to one by Ann Jones, the article also referred incorrectly to Jones’s achievement. When she won Wimbledon in 1969 at age 30, it was her third Grand Slam win — not her first. (It was her first in the Open era.) A version of this article appears in print on June 6, 2010, on Page SP6 of the New York edition with the headline: A French Open Championship for Schiavone Is Also a Breakthrough for Italy.

Order Reprints | Today's Paper | Subscribe French Open women's final 2015: Serena Williams v Lucie Safarova - as it happened - Telegraph French Open French Open women's final 2015: Serena Williams v Lucie Safarova - as it happened French Open 2015 women's final, Serena Williams vs Lucie Safarova - Latest score, news update, live match report and result from the final at Roland Garros on Saturday June 6, 2015 By Amitai Winehouse 4:43PM BST 06 Jun 2015 Latest 16.42 Williams is having photos taken as the court empties. I think this is as good a time as any for me to wrap this thing up. It's been a long-road, what a fantastic match that was. What an exceptional display from Serena Williams, but Safarova deserves credit too. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. 16.36 I'll be honest, I have no idea what Serena Williams is saying because she's speaking French. Really, you ought to have a basic grasp of French if you're working in Curry's.

16.30 And here's Serena Williams winning her third French Open, her 20th Grand Slam in total. What an incredible record. 16.28 The Umpire gets his plate, as does Lucie Safarova. Sometimes I wonder whether finishing as runner-up is better, given that they get a plate, which is actually useful, instead of a trophy, which looks good but can't have food served on it. 16.26 The trophy is out, and there's no weird pineapple on it like Wimbledon. That's a victory for the French right there. Serena Williams overjoyed at her victory 16.22 Williams says its special for her to win her 20th Grand Slam in Paris. She also thanks her friends, who she loves. 16.17 Williams immediately goes to embrace her coach, and she looks absolutely overjoyed. That was close for the American, but in the end her absolutely dominance shone through. Given how visibly uncomfortable she was at points, that's a massive victory.

*Williams 6-3, 6-7, 6-2 Safarova (*Denotes next server) Safarova can't keep control of her service game, and Williams grabs the first two points of the game. Williams rallies back and forth with Safarova, who took more time to focus prior to her serve, but Williams takes the point. Safarova's next serve is exceptional, and Williams' advantage drops to 40-15. It's still match point for Williams, who hits a fantastic shot in reply to Safarova's serve, which the Czech simply cannot respond to. Serena Williams wins the French Open! Williams 6-3, 6-7, 5-2 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) Safarova wins the first point, but Williams performs absolutely exceptionally on the second point to make it 15-15. At one point, Safarova seems likely to win the point, but Williams pulls out an exceptional left handed forehand. The next point is easier, and Williams finds herself 30-15 ahead. Safarova pulls it back with a forehand down the line that Williams can't react to.

However, the next point is Williams', as Safarova's forehand is wild and crooked and flies out to the left of the court. At 40-30, Williams wraps up the game. Safarova is now serving to save the match. Williams, it must be said, has been screaming a lot in frustration: Serena keeping it loose. pic.twitter.com/bINUsjyjVt — VICE Sports (@VICESports) June 6, 2015 *Williams 6-3, 6-7, 4-2 Safarova (*Denotes next server) This is a huge game for Safarova. The two fire back and forth and take a point apiece at the start of the game. They exchange points again, but Safarova finally takes advantage and manages to make it 40-30. Williams ties it back up at 40-40, and we've got deuce. Williams takes control again, giving herself the advantage, and Safarova folds herself over in anger. It's justified, because Williams hits a fantastic forehand, Safarova can't respond accurately with her backhand, and Williams has broken.

Williams 6-3, 6-7, 3-2 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) Again, Williams dominates over the first three points of the set, and before Safarova even seems to know what day it is, she's 40-0 up. All it takes is another ace from Williams, and she's back in the lead in this integral set. It feels like Safarova may have missed her opportunity to take control of this tie, and she might come to regret that. *Williams 6-3, 6-7, 2-2 Safarova (*Denotes next server) Safarova goes ahead quickly, and on the second point, her return is straight at Safarova, who simply has to move out of the way to see the ball fly out of the court. Williams wins the next point, and a long rally in the next one gives her an opportunity to tie it up. She does, with a backhand down the line that takes Safarova out of the game. She then goes ahead at 40-30, after Safarova strikes into the net. Williams then takes the set with a double fault. Williams looks dangerous again.

Williams 6-3, 6-7, 1-2 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) You know what they say about me and predictions right? Williams clears straight through the next game with little difficulty, firing serve after serve at Safarova that the Czech simply cannot deal with. There might still be a game on. *Williams 6-3, 6-7, 0-2 Safarova (*Denotes next server) Safarova quickly goes 40-0 up with a series of serves, but this is actually becoming slightly unfortunate. Williams clearly can't move well, Safarova's composition is exceptional, and she just blasts through the game without much difficulty. It seems as though Williams might have needed to win this one early to make it through. Williams 6-3, 6-7, 0-1 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) Williams starts off in genuinely dominant form, 30-0. There's a suggestion on commentary that Williams is "p*ssed" that she still has to play, which is great. Safarova makes it 30-15 and then 30-30.

Soon enough, Safarova drags it back, and wins the game, with Williams struggling on her serves. There's no movement on her part, which is clearly making it hard for her to win points. Williams 6-3, 6-7 Safarova (Tiebreak) Safarova goes ahead initially, and on her second serve, Williams hands over another point with another double fault. It's the net next for Williams, and Safarova leads 0-3. It seems like a huge point for Williams next. A long rally sees Williams forced onto her backhand, but she then bails herself out and forces the exchange onto her forehand, which makes it 1-3. Safarova is quick to pick up the next point, however, making it 1-4. Williams' next serve is too good, making it 2-4 shortly before they swap sides. Williams then seems in control of the next point after a long rally, with Safarova running back and forth, but Williams fires wide and suddenly it's 2-5. Only a few shots into the next point, Safarova then goes 2-6 ahead.

Set point, Safarova fires a fantastic serve, and this is going the distance. Williams 6-3, 6-6 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) Safarova isn't going down without a fight though. An exceptional first point sees her win with a beautiful forehand after a rally. However, it's almost immediately for nought, as Williams manages a brilliant ace to make it 15-15. Williams' last shot in the next point is short, but Safarova can't take advantage, hitting it straight into the net. Her grimace says it all. Again, they rally back and forth, and again Safarova just about finds the line. 30-30. Williams takes her time over the next serve, but Safarova again wins the next point as Williams fires into the net with a forehand from the baseline. Unbelievably, Safarova then sends this to a set breaker with a fantastic backhand.

*Williams 6-3, 6-5 Safarova (*Denotes next server) Safarova goes 0-15 ahead, but soon they're not happy on commentary, as Williams makes a noise suggesting her shot is out and possibly effects Safarova's efforts. That brings the score to 15-15, and Williams then goes in front with a dominant point to make it 30-15. Safarova draws things level, however, as Williams fires against the net. However, Safarova's second serve in the next game is too deep, confusing Safarova, and Williams takes advantage with a fantastic shot. At 40-30, she then takes control, making it 45-30. Williams will now serve for the title. Williams 6-3, 5-5 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) Williams is frustrated at the start of the next set, uttering one of those un-utterable words. She goes 30-0 ahead, but Safarova wins the next point. Her forehand from Williams' next serve flies straight out, however.

Williams has started celebrating every point as though it is the last of the match, including the one that gives her an easy 45-15 win. *Williams 6-3, 4-5 Safarova (*Denotes next server) Safarova's takes an early advantage, 0-15, and while Williams fires back on the second point to make it 15-15, Safarova makes her run about, tiring Williams out, before dealing a killer blow to go 15-30 ahead. Safarova wins again with the crowd firmly behind her, but Williams responds to the next serve perfectly, making it 30-40 in the process. Safarova holds the serve, however, and for the first time in the game, she holds the serve. Just to clarify, Williams hasn't won a single game since I said she was comfortable. That's quite something. Williams 6-3, 4-4 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) Williams goes behind after an excellent response from Safarova, but Safarova is only ahead for another two shots, as her response to Williams' serve is far too long for the baseline.

Safarova wins the next point, and the next, and Williams, who it has to be remembered was ill yesterday, looks as though she is fading. Safarova breaks, and this has become interesting. *Williams 6-3, 4-3 Safarova (*Denotes next server) The game starts with a fantastic rally, with Safarova managing an almost impossible shot. Williams reaches it, but she leaves herself with too much to do with the shot, and Safarova easily cleans up for the 0-15 lead. Williams ties up the score in the game with the next point, but Safarova goes ahead again as a loose shot from Serena lands well-wide of the court. Before you know it, this game is over, Williams hitting her shot long. Williams is still a break ahead in this set, but it almost feels as though the momentum has shifted (Safarova fans, look away now). Williams 6-3, 4-2 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) Williams goes a point ahead, but gives Safarova a route back into the game with a double fault.

I've just had a conversation with someone else on the desk about how ill Williams looked prior to the match, but she's not struggling. She jumps for joy on the spot after a great shot gives her a 40-15 lead. It seems almost premature though, as she slams her next serve into the net. A let follows, and Safarova forces her way back into the game with a fantastic forehand down the left side of the court. Somewhat surprisingly, we now have a deuce. Williams gives up the advantage with a pair of poor serves. It happens again, three double faults for Serena Williams in one game. Check out the last post if you want an explanation as to why this is happening. I told you, I'm cursed. *Williams 6-3, 4-1 Safarova (*Denotes next server) My dragging points out theory? Forget about it. Safarova goes one ahead, but Williams then makes it 15-15 after a 12-shot rally, the longest of the match so far. Williams goes ahead, but Safarova's serve is good and the score is 30-30.

Safarova then fires a powerful shot out at the baseline, and all it takes is another accurate return from Williams to go three games ahead in the set. This looks like Williams' to lose (anyone into a flutter, I'd recommend betting in the opposite direction to what I say, given my usual accuracy). Djokovic struggles, Murray takes the fourth set. At these standards, he looks like he might be on his way to a final: — Amitai Winehouse (@awinehouse1) June 6, 2015 (I mean, don't, Williams is comfortable here). Williams 6-3, 3-1 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) Whenever Safarova manages to drag the game out, she looks like she could force the issue. While Williams goes 15-0 up, Safarova manages to bring the score to 15-15. Again, however, Safarova hits a forehand wildly and it flies out. An excellent backhand from Williams from the net is straight down Safarova's throat, and she can only fire into the net for 40-15.

She then wins the point and the game with a stunning backhand, which flies diagonally across the court and away from Safarova. *Williams 6-3, 2-1 Safarova (*Denotes next server) After a simple first point, Safarova continues to struggle with any sort of second serve, which allows Williams to draw things level at 15-15. Safarova goes ahead again after Williams struggles to hit a forehand effort on the left side of the court, and she extends her advantage to 15-40 with a well placed forehand. However, Williams wins a point back, but Safarova wins the game shortly after with an excellent serve that Williams couldn't fire back at her. Williams 6-3, 2-0 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) A 202 kilometer/h shot from Williams wins her the first point of her game, and the second point is another simple ace. Again, another staggering serve from Williams is absolutely impossible for Safarova to respond to, and she goes 40-0 ahead.

Before long, Williams wins the final point with a great serve, and only 11 minutes into the set, Williams is 2-0 ahead. *Williams 6-3, 1-0 Safarova (*Denotes next server) Safarova goes 0-15 ahead after a let and a second serve, and Williams struggles on the next rally, striking the ball well out. She pulls the score back to 15-30 with an exceptional backhand, and another draws her level as Safarova can't keep her response in. The next point brings a long rally, but Williams' forehand has far too much spin on it, and she hits 30-40. Safarova manages to force a deuce, and then wins the next point, giving her the advantage. However, she doesn't take a risk on her second serve, which Williams easily wins the point on. Deuce again. Williams grabs the ad with an excellent backhand that Safarova hits a wide response to. Williams can't keep a shot under control in the next point, however, taking things back to deuce again.

There's a win for Williams again, who then rounds off the game with another accurate shot that Safarova simply can't deal with. Another break for Williams, who is in charge. Williams 6-3 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) The struggle to deal with Williams' serves continues for Safarova, who fires her first reply well out of bounds. A discussion on commentary suggests Safarova is too keen to dominate with any responding shot. That might be true, given that Williams hits 30-0 with a beautiful ace. Safarova can't handle the next serve either, firing back into the net. Three set points for Williams, but Safarova musters a response on the first, forcing Williams to fire short and into the net. However, the experienced Williams fires another powerful serve at Safarova, and before you know it, Williams has the first set wrapped up. *Williams 5-3 Safarova (*Denotes next server) Safarova picks up two solid points at the start, dealing well with good responses from Williams. The momentum dries up with a poor first serve, however, and Williams' response to her second takes the score to 15-30.

Williams then blasts ahead with a return ace followed by Safarova firing the ball high and out. Safarova brings it back to deuce, however, winning after a long rally. Soon enough, she has ad, as Williams fires a reply well wide. Williams then hits a shot long, and Safarova has saved the set. Williams 5-2 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) Even if Safarova can muster a response, it might end up being too late for this set. Williams just pushes her further and further back over the first two points, making it almost impossible for Safarova to respond. She does though, dragging things back to 30-15 as Williams hits a shot too short, striking the net in the process. Safarova then hits a fantastic return to make it 30-30, but on the next serve she can only fire into the net. An ace, powerful and on target, lands just inside the line, and Safarova has no chance. Another game for Serena. *Williams 4-2 Safarova (*Denotes next server) Well, maybe not so comfortable.

Safarova goes two points ahead as Williams struggles to deal with Safarova's serve. Safarova wins another, but Williams rallies and takes the game to 40-15. She can't keep it up though, and Williams loses shortly after, hitting a high shot over her opponent's head but also beyond the baseline. Williams 4-1 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) Williams picks up the first point with ease, placing a shot inches out of Safarova's grasp. However, she gives away an easy point, fouling on two serves. Safarova can't respond to Williams' next, accurate, serve, putting Williams 30-15 ahead. Again, Williams wins the next point without much trouble at all. At this point, Williams is becoming her own worst enemy, handing over another point to Safarova for two bad serves. The sun is supposedly in her eyes, but that doesn't stop her from wrapping up the last point and the game. 45-30. Comfortable stuff, this. *Williams 3-1 Safarova (*Denotes next server) A long rally punishes Safarova at the start of the next game.

Williams then secures another point, hitting it to her opponent's right as Safarova heads off to her left. Safarova brings it back to 30-15, but the next point is too easy for Williams, who powers a second serve back at the Czech star. Safarova fires her reply wildly out, possibly even out of the court itself. Williams' return from Safarova's last serve is exceptional, impossible to deal with, and the American has broken. Williams 2-1 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) Safarova and Williams exchange points at the start of the game, with Safarova clearly struggling to deal with the power behind Williams' shots. To make it 30-15, Williams sends Safarova all over the court before putting a shot just beyond her reach. Safarova turns it around though with a surprisingly accurate shot that beffudles Williams, forcing her to strike the ball into the net. The game very quickly swings in Williams' favour, however, as Safarova hits a shot out, before Williams hits an ace to win the game. 45-30.

*Williams 1-1 Safarova (*Denotes next server) For someone who's just been to the bathroom, Williams seems focused. She responds to Safarova's serve well, taking the game to 15-0 initially. Safarova hits an ace to make it 15-15, and then takes the score to 15-30, with Williams struggling to deal with another serve. Again, Safarova takes advantage with a serve, but Williams should do better. 15-40. Williams turns the next point into a rally, and Safarova's strike is inaccurate for another point. Can Williams catch up? No. Safarova wraps up the game, although neither played well. Williams 1-0 Safarova* (*Denotes next server) Williams gets things rolling with an easy point. Safarova responds well, tying things up at 15-15, but her next attempt to respond to the serve is poor, straight into the net. A short exchange occurs between Williams and Safarova after, but Williams powers back to take it to 40-15. An awesome ace at the end gives Williams the point.

Serene, some might say. 14.13 Back she comes. This might be a particularly unique experience. 14.12 Safarova has never officially beaten Williams. She's only ever won three sets against her too. Williams is going to the bathroom apparently. 14.07 As ill as she might be, Serena Williams is swinging her racket around with more energy than Earth's sun. 14.02 Safarova and Williams are out on the court. Williams does not look particularly well, although I might be being unfair. . @luciesafarova & @serenawilliams walk onto the court for the #RG15 final! Follow the RG blog: — Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) June 6, 2015 13.58 Only minutes away. It's going to be tough for Safarova, illness or not. Look at these stats for Serena: Road to the Final: #Serena has dropped just 4 sets & has spent a total of 9hrs 59mins on court this tourney.

#RG15 pic.twitter.com/eesz7ZUktD — Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) June 6, 2015 13.52 I'm here, possibly later than I thought I'd be. A fantastic match between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic saw Djokovic come through strong, and we've got a perfect follow up. Or do we? There've been reports about Serena Williams' health. She had a terrible case of the flu as of a few hours ago. That could play straight into Lucie Safarova's hands. Speaking of hands, she's only the fifth left-handed player to reach a women's final. What a neat segue. We're about 10 minutes away from the start. It'll be interesting to see how Williams is and does. 13.00 Afternoon all and welcome to our coverage of the French Open women's final at Roland Garos. Lucie Safarova is the unlucky player tasked with stopping Serena Williams, who despite feeling under the weather in recent days, is the firm favourite to claim a third title in Paris.

Amitai Winehouse will bring you all the action when the match starts at around 2pm, but here is how both players are preparing for the game: If she wins Serena Williams will: Record her 20th Grand Slam victory and third at Roland Garros. The Open-era record since 1968 is 22 held by Steffi Graf and the all-time record is 24 held by Margaret Court. Stand halfway to the calendar-year Grand Slam, having won the Australian Open in January. Only three other women have won all four Grand Slam titles in the same year - Maureen Connolly 1953), Margaret Court (1970) and Steffi Graf (1988) Extend her margin as the oldest woman to have won the French Open title in the Open-era. She already set that two years ago when she won at 31. Make it three Grand Slam wins in a row, having won he US Open to close last year. The last player to pull off that treble was Monica Seles in 1991-92 If she wins Lucie Safarova will: Win her first Grand Slam title in her first final at the age of 28.

This is the 40th time she has played in a Grand Slam tournament. Be the first Czech woman to win the women's titles at Roland Garros since Hana Mandlikova in 1991. Compatriot Petra Kvitova won Wimbledon last year. Be the lowest ranking seed at 13 to win the French Open title since Francesca Schiavone, who was ranked 17th when she won in 2010. Be the 11th left-hander to win the women's singles at Roland Garros, the last being Monica Seles in 1992. French Open Live French Open Live Click here to Watch French Open Live Tennis fans in Spain will be licking their lips given that this weekend The French Open is all set and ready to take off on Sunday, 22nd May. The matches will take place at Rolland Garros. However, there will be a big hole in every fans heart given that 17 time major champion, Roger Federer will miss his first Grand Slam since 1998. On taking this decision, he mentioned, "Ensure I could play the remainder of the season and help to extend the rest of my career.

I remain as motivated and excited as ever." This piece of news definitely puts current world no. 1, Novak Djokovic in the driver's seat. Let us not forget that he has never won a French Open ever. Usually he chews on a few blades of grass when he wins other titles, now that the competition has eased just a little, it will be intriguing to see what he does if he wins. Andy Murray would also secretly breathe a sigh of relief on hearing the new. Rafael Nadal will hopefully remain fit enough as the Spaniard is seeking his 10th French Open title. Other than these three biggies at the event, it would be very exciting to see the likes of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Stan Wawrinka, Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer having a go at this premium tennis event! All the Tennis fans in Spain will be eagerly waiting for the likes of Williams sisters, Agnieszka Radwanska, Angelique Kerber and the rest take each other on starting this weekend in The French Open. It is all set and ready to take off on Sunday, 22nd May at the Rolland Garros.

Serena Williams the holding champion will look to retain her championship. If she manages to win this tournament, she will equal Steffi Graf's record of 22 career grand slams. There are some fitness issues about Victoria Azarenka. After her humiliating loss last week to Begu, she will be hoping to shrug off concerns and come around to be her champion self. Azarenka will have to use all her experience given that fitness is not on her side. Angelique Kerber will look to add to her Australian open. However, playing on clay court is surely something very different. She will have to play out of her skin to if she is hoping to win this. Many however believe that unlike the men's competition, there is no clear cut favourite in the women's competition. The level of competition will certainly be high as we can expect a number of players fighting for the fat cheque as well as the trophy. Posted: 24th May 2015 The 2015 French Open will be the 114th edition of the annual outdoor clay court Grand Slam Tournament. The reigning champions of the event are Rafael Nadal on the men’s side and Maria Sharapova on the ladies’ side.

The Spanish Nadal is a record nine-time winner with a remarkable 67-1 record at the tournament. He only lost one match, in the fourth round of the 2009 event when Robin Söderling shocked the world and defeated him in four sets. Having won the title in 2012 and 2014, the Russian Sharapova is a two-time winner. The total prize money of the 2015 edition will be €28,028,600. The reigning champion Nadal got an extremely tough draw with a potential quarterfinal match against top seed and world number one Novak Djokovic, who many sees as the top favorite after Nadal’s relatively poor form. The probability of that match happening is extremely high, and if it does happen the winner will be a huge favorite for the rest of the way. Among the ladies, the biggest favorite is probably Sharapova, followed by Serena Williams and last year’s finalist Simona Halep who will be gunning for her maiden Grand Slam title. This time though, Nadal will not be a favourite to win the title, having struggled on clay this season.

Incidentally his ranking has fallen so badly that he could end up facing Novak Djokovic as early as in the quarter-final, which should make for a thrilling contest. Serena Williams should start off as a favourite too. Posted: 25th May 2014 The 2014 French Open will see the same two players who won last year as the favorites for this years tournament as well with Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams dominating the headlines prior to the start of the tournament. The French Open which will be played at the Roland Garros in Paris is set to begin on Sunday, May 25. The two week long tournament is among the four grand slams and is the most respected tournament which is played on clay. Rafael Nadal has won at the Roland Garros a record six times so far and will be raring to win it again. Nadal will be the number one seed for the mens singles while Williams will be seeded number one for the women’s event. The ongoing season has thrown up a few surprises as far as clay court tournaments are concerned.

At Monte Carlo, the Swiss pair of Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka played the final while a few weeks later, both were knocked out by the second round in Rome. Williams, meanwhile crashed out in the opening match at the Family Circle Cup just days after she had won the Sony Open title. The big guns at the French Open 2014 will be Novak Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer for the men’s event while the female event is expected to be dominated by Serena Williams, Li Na and Maria Sharapova. Posted: 21st May 2013 This will be the 112th edition of the French Open when the top players in the tennis world come together to try and win the biggest tournament on clay court surfaces. This year’s French Open will begin from May 26 and will carry on for two weeks before the winners get decided. The qualifiers for the tournament will be held a couple of days before the start date of the tournament. The French Open 2013 will be played at the Stade Roland Garros with titles for men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles to be had.

There will be junior and wheelchair players in singles and doubles events. The men’s singles winner gets the Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy while the women’s singles winner will keep the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen trophy. The men’s singles competition will have Rafael Nadal enter the tournament as the defending champion, having won the title in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Interestingly, Nadal has won all the French Open titles since 2005 (a total of seven) except the 2009 title which was won by Roger Federer. There cannot be too much doubt that Nadal will enter the tournament has favourite once again, after having won the Rome Masters, Madrid Masters, Barcelona Masters, ATP Acapulco and ATP Sao Paulo on clay since his return from injury. Likes of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic will give him bit of a fight but it is difficult to see any of them go on to win the title at Nadal’s expense. Because of his injury, Nadal has fallen to world number four, but there was talk that he might be given a better seeding than that before being quelled. Maria Sharapova is the defending women’s singles champion.

That was her first ever title at the French Open and helped her complete a career Slam, having earlier won all the three Grand Slam titles (once each). It’s interesting to note that the previous six tournaments have had six different winners in the women’s singles draw, with Justine Henin winning the title in 2007, Ana Ivanovic in 2008, Svetlana Kuzetsova in 2009, Francesca Schiavone in 2010 and Na Li in 2011. Among the other winners from the previous edition of the French Open will be Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor in the men’s doubles, Italians Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci in the women’s doubles and Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi in the mixed doubles draw. Posted: 27th May 2012 The second Tennis Grand Slam of the year is upon us, the French Open, also known as Roland Garros, This tournament runs for a total of twenty days, starting on the 22nd of May and going until the 10th of June.

The first Grand Slam that we saw was the Australian Open, which was held from the 11th of January to the 29th in Melbourne Park. The Men's Singles for that tournament was won by Serbia's Novak Djokovic with Rafael Nadal from Spain as the runner up. For the ladies side, it was Victoria Azarenka who won the title with Maria Sharapova second. There are still two other Grand Slam tennis tournaments that are scheduled to be played this coming season as well. Half of the Grand Slams are played on hard courts, including the Australian Open. The French Open is the only one that is played on clay courts. The Wimbledon Grand Slam, which is the next event on the calendar as far as Grand Slams go, will be played on grass, as usual. The U.S. Open of Tennis will be the next event after that for Tennis Grand Slams, and it will be played on hard courts from August 27th to September 9th. Rafael Nadal has won this tournament no less than six times since 2005. His streak of wins is only broken up by one played, Roger Federer, who took the title in 2009.

In 2004, it was Gaston Gaudio from Argentina who took the title. Posted: 23rd May 2010 It is time for the 2010 French Open, which is known as Roland Garros by some – after the venue in which this Grand Slam is played. This is one of four Grand Slams on the professional tennis circuit, with the others including the Australian Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon, and it offers a prize of more than 7,500,000 Euros for the players participating. If you want to watch the French Open Live then click on the banners on this page and get your membership for access to high quality video in our member's area right from your computer. Rafael Nadal is the top seed for this tournament and odds are on Nadal this year as this is a clay court tournament and he has been doing fantastic on clay courts. No one can beat Nadal when he is at his best.

The second seed is Roger Federer who is the defending champion, but even with his round four exit last year at the hands of Robin Soderling, he has two more Masters 1000 titles than Federer does and has won this tournament four different times, in 2005, 2006, 2007 and again in 2008. This makes Rafael Nadal someone to watch very closely. Of course, then we have Roger Federer. He is the defending champion and he has no less than sixteen Grand Slam titles, but only one of those in the French Open. He has been runner up in the French Open an additional three times. Federer is also quite good on clay courts and he will be an exciting competitor in the upcoming French Open which starts on May 23rd and lasts until June 6th. This tournament has a history that dates back to 1968, with a singles main draw of 128 and a doubles draw of 64. The third seed for the 2010 French Open is Andy Murray, who made it to the quarterfinals last year at Roland Garros, but that was the only time he did.

Fourth Seed is Novak Djokovic, who went out in round three thanks to Philipp Kohlschreiber last year. Fifth seed is Andy Roddck and the sixth is Juan Martin del Potro. Seventh and Eighth seeds are Gilles Simon and Fernando Verdasco. You can watch the French Open live by getting your membership at the banners on this page and viewing in high quality streaming video. Posted: 21st May 2009 The most challenging of all the Grand Slam events is the French Open game, which is held over a two week period between mid-May and June every year since 1891 with the first tournament for women being held in 1897. In 1912 the tournament switched from grass-only to a closer surface to what is played on now – a sort of crushed red brick. The tournament became a Grand Slam event in 1945. This is the 2009 French Open, however, in 2007 a major change marked the French Open, making the men's and women's prizes equal for the first time ever. This applies to all rounds.

The French Open 09 is played in Paris, at the Roland Garros Stadium, and the clay court has been the bane of many great tennis players – as it tends to reduce the speed of ball and make it bounce higher, giving players who rely on a huge serve to win their tournaments a disadvantage. Many great tennis players have found this French Open court to be difficult include Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Boris Becker, none of which have ever been able to win at the French Open Tournament. However, some athletes are able to handle the clay – and in fact – seem to prefer it. Recent players that have claimed success on the clay are Justine Henin and Rafael Nadal, as well as past tennis greats Chrissie Evert, Monica Seles, Steffi Graf, Bjorn Borg and Martina Mavratilova, all competing in the French Open. These players will be hoping to win a French Open Prize again this year. Many records have been set at the French Open Paris, with Rafael Nadal probably being the most famous record maker, taking four consecutive titles at the French Open, which matched tennis legends Suzanne Lenglen and Bjorn Borg.

Before 1968 Max Decugis took home 29 French Open Titles, making French Open Video history. At the French Open 1984, Ivan Lendl won after a very close 5 set match. The Australian Open was the Grand Slam event just before this one, and it was held on January 19th through February 1st in Melbourne. Rafael Nadal defeated Roger Federer in the singles match for men, while Dinara Safara lost to Serena Williams 0-6 3-6. In the men's doubles brothers Mike and Bob Bryan beat out Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles, and in another show of sibling power, Serena and Venus Williams won the women's doubles. The 2008 French Open took place from May 25th to June 8th and featured several difference events, some of them record breaking. Justine Henin retired from Tennis, and the French Open Women's on May 14th, but if she had competed and won, it would have put her in the sought after spot of taking four consecutive Women's French Open Tour titles, with the likes of Suzanne Lenglen and Bjorn Borg.

Her runner-up from the previous year, Ana Ivanovic, won the women's singles Tournament instead. In the men's singles Rafael Nadal was able to reach that record, making 2008 his fourth consecutive, taking the men's singles tourney. In the men's doubles Pablo Cuevas and Luis Horna took home the 2008 trophy, while Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Pascual won the women's doubles in the French Open Final. The mixed doubles match of the French Open Mens had Victoria Azarenka and Bob Bryan winning their 2008 trophy and that was just a few of the events that made up the 2008 French Open Championship. Others included the Boy's Singles, Girl's Singles, Boy's Doubles, Girl's Doubles all in the junior division for French Open, plus the popular Legends Under 45 and Legends Over 45 matches. There was also the wheelchair men's singles and doubles and other wheelchair tourneys for the ladies. You'll be able to watch all of the French Open Online with your membership.

The 108th version of the Roland Garros French Open will take place from May 24th to June 7th, 2009 at the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris, and will be the second Grand Slam event of the year. Wimbledon is the Grand Slam following the French Open, and it will be held June 22nd to July 5th at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. There will be lots to immortalize in French Open 2009 Video. Your membership is all you need to watch the French Open Live and see who will win one of these year's French Open and The French Open titles. The French Open in 2009 happens May 24th. The 2009 French Open will be held the end of May of this year and will feature players like Rafael Nadal that are looking to take home their fifth consecutive title in a row from the tournament and a French Open Victory. Go to to get French Open action and to watch the matches which include men's and women's doubles and singles, as well as junior events and special events like wheelchair men's and doubles.

Last year, Ana Ivanovic won the women's single, and Rafael Nadal won the men's. In the men's doubles Pablo Cuevas and Luis Horna took home the 2008 trophy, while Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Pascual won the women's doubles, just some of the French Open women. The French Open, the second Grand Slam event of 2009, takes place from May 24th to June 7th with the Grand Slam Wimbledon after French Open. The French Open 2009 is going to be held at the Roland Garros Stadium, and will be the venue for exciting matches such as the men's and women's singles and doubles from French Open, and the mixed doubles matches. Also there will be junior match-ups and specialized events like the wheelchair doubles and singles. In 2008 Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Pascual won the women's doubles while Ana Ivanovic won the singles, after legend Justine Henin retired. Rafael Nadal took the singles tourney and Pablo Cuevas and Luis Horna took the men's doubles.

This year, watch all the French Open action at as the French Open begins on May 24th. The number one site to watch the 2009 French Open Tennis Tournament is with matches between the men and women in pro tennis, in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. There are also Junior Divisions and Wheelchair Divisions as well as Legends tourneys for those over and under 45. Last year the men's singles champion was Rafael Nadal, taking his fourth consecutive win from the French Open. Can he take home home fifth in French Open tennis this year? The French Open begins on May 24th and lasts until June 7th. Posted: 29th July 2008 Watch French Open Tennis live online with your subscription to your home on the net for live tennis streaming video. The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, is one of the 4 tennis tournaments that make up the Grand Slam competitions of the tennis calendar and is the second stop on the Grand Slam tour. It is without the question the most prestigious clay court tournament in the world. Thanks to the live web feeds at you will now be able to watch live tennis from anywhere in the world where you have an internet connection.

The French Open as a national tournament has been around since the 19th century having started in 1891. It made the switch to an international tournament in 1925 and took the name of French World War I hero Roland Garros in 1928. It would take 40 years before the tournament allowed both amateurs and professionals to participate, thus earning the designation as an open tournament. The French Open tennis tournament is distinct due to the surface which the competition is played on. The clay court surface has the effect of reducing the speed of the ball while producing a higher bounce when compared to the surface of the grass courts at Wimbledon or the hard courts at the US Open. These characteristics make it harder for players who rely on their serve to gain an advantage over their opponents and forces them to raise their overall level of play in order to compensate. Players such as Pete Sampras and Roger Federer have struggled, while the likes of Bjorn Borg, Ivan Lendl, Rod Laver and Rafael Nadal have thrived on the clay. Given its status as the great 'equalizer', the French Open can produce extremely surprising results.

Of note, players from Spain have won 7 of the last 11 tournaments with Carlos Moya, Albert Costa, Juan Carlos Ferrero winning in addition to Nadal. Nadal has won the last 4 tournaments in a row with the last 3 coming in a final against Swiss ace Roger Federer. You can watch Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal live at The women's championship has seen a more varied array of winners including Iva Majoli, Steffi Graf, Jennifer Capriati, Serena Williams, Justine Henin and Ana Ivanovic among title holders. The French Open live is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the live streaming tennis feeds available at Not only will you be able to watch live French Open tennis, you will also enjoy instant access to live Wimbledon coverage along with the best video webcasts of the Australian Open and US Open. Visit and sign on today.

Question: Who won the 2010 French Open Women's Singles final in June?
Answer: Francesca Schiavone